Archive for the ‘Natural Remedies’ Category

With the winter months upon us many are beginning to feel the unwanted results of of cold, dry weather. I was recently asked what I recommend for dry skin.

Funny thing is, I almost always respond with the same answer when asked for a “natural” or alternative remedy for any sort of skin ailment. True, there are plenty of all natural or organic lotions on the market, ones that may even score well on www.cosmeticdatabase.com (if you haven’t checked out this website yet, it’s a MUST, they categorize all skin/health care products according to their safety and/or level of harmfulness to the body). However my all time favorite moisturizer is not normally found in your local drugstore, but instead can actually be found in your cupboard!

What?!

Not only does my favorite moisturizer work wonders on your skin, it can also:

-get rid of embarrassing dandruff when massaged into the scalp

-help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels

-increase your metabolism helping with weight loss

-treat eczema

etc

So what is this miracle “drug”?

Coconut Oil. That’s right, simple coconut oil is my all time favorite moisturizer and will do all of the above and more. Remember, I won’t put anything on my skin that I wouldn’t eat (here’s a link to why) so coconut oil is the perfect answer to many, if not all, of your skin care needs. It moisturizes like nothing I have ever seen before, keeping your skin unbelievably nourished and healthy. Key point here is it’s healthy. When using coconut oil for yourself or your children you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals seeping through your skin and causing your body damage. It’s all natural and good for you! There are plenty of brands of coconut oil out there, however, be sure to get one that is Organic and Extra Virgin. Also, remember I hate plastic (click here to find out why and here for a great article about toxic plastics from our friends at www.healthychild.org) and so it’s best to find one that comes in a glass jar. Give it a try, and let us know what you think. I’m certain that once you do you won’t go back to any other type of moisturizer! Yes it’s that good!

**Remember there is a cure for widespread diseases like cancer, the best way to cure cancer is to prevent cancer as best we can. If you like what you are reading help me spread the word by sharing my articles with your friends. Follow me, Drug free pharmacist, on facebook**

When it comes to treating fever the majority of doctors and pharmacists will recommend either Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). I do not like nor use either one. Surprised? I didn’t think so. Neither of the above drugs have been used in our house for approximately 2 years now, and that’s not because we haven’t had our share of fevers.

Acetaminophen is the most widely used pain relieving/fever reducing medication taken by people in the world. It is metabolized primarily by the liver. When taken in large doses or over a long period of time, toxicity can occur which will cause damage to the liver. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat fever and reduce pain and inflammation. Regular use of NSAIDs will cause irritation to the stomach and is actually the second major cause of ulcers.

Ok, so let’s say the above drugs didn’t come with any side effects, will I run to our medicine cabinet the next time someone in the house runs a fever? Highly unlikely. By reducing fever we are not solving the main problem. Ever notice how once the medication wears off the fever jumps back up? Fever reducing medications simply treat the symptom, just like putting a bucket under a leaky ceiling. Ever wonder why that ceiling is leaking or why your body is producing a fever?

So what causes fever?

When your temperature rises producing a fever, your immune system has failed to protect you from whatever illness you have. Your body then attempts to fight because it knows something isn’t quite right. By taking, or giving our children fever reducing medications we are actually inhibiting our body’s natural ability to fight. Not only does fever stimulate our immune system, it also creates a ‘hot’ enough environment where many types of bacteria cannot survive. So having a fever actually helps you get better!

What to do when fever strikes?

For the most part, nothing. Allow the fever to run it’s course. Plenty of fluids, rest and a tepid bath can help keep one feel comfortable during the course of the fever. In our home, when fever strikes we load up on pure raw honey (for those over the age of 1) and organic apple cider vinegar. Both are known for their ability to naturally fight infection and work wonderfully.

When should you worry?

There are of course instances where medical attention may be required for a fever:

1. If the fever rises very high, very quickly

2. Infants, especially under 3 months

3. If the temperature rises above 104 (or above 102 in children under 3 years)

4. If you child is acting very ill; this may also be a sign that something else may not be quite right

Our body has amazing abilities and is able to naturally heal itself if given the proper opportunity to do so. Just give it a chance, you’ll be surprised!

**Remember there is a cure for widespread diseases like cancer, the best way to cure cancer is to prevent cancer as best we can. If you like what you are reading help me spread the word by sharing my articles with your friends. Follow me, Drug free pharmacist, on facebook**

Not too long ago I was feeling extremely congested. This is not something I suffer from regularly, however on that particular day I was definitely suffering. My head felt heavy, and my nose extremely stuffed. All I wanted to do was close my eyes. With my pen name being “Drug Free Pharmacist” it should come as no surprise to all of you that I didn’t rush to my medicine cabinet and pop a Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) to treat my symptoms. Pseudophedrine is not my drug of choice for congestion, or anything for that matter. Believe it or not, it’s not something many doctors will actually take themselves. A couple of years ago, pseudoephedrine made it on a list by MSN health as one of the top 8 drugs doctors would never take! It constricts your blood vessels, which can lead to an increase in your heart rate and blood pressure, and has therefore been linked to heart attacks and strokes.

So what to do? Suffer in pain and not treat your symptoms? That’s no fun.

That day when I was suffering from congestion I tried to go about my day as best I could and started on dinner. I grabbed an onion and began slicing. When I cut up onions my eyes always naturally water, and this time was no exception. I teared up quite a bit. As I was finishing up cooking I all of the sudden realized I was no longer congested. Strange. I then remembered the onions and went did a quick search to see what I could find about onions and congestion.

The beauty of nature.

Onions contain a natural decongestant called quercetin. Aside from the fact your home may smell like onions for a while as you are treating your congestion, the side effects of cutting up a raw onion and sniffing it are less harmful than taking Pseduoephedrine, and if sniffed regularly onions can be just as effective. All you have to do is slice up a raw onion, breathe in the aroma, and see what naturally happens.

It’s worth a try isn’t it?

As a side note, if you normally wear contact lenses, to get the best results, remove your contacts before slicing your onions and ‘sniffing’.

**Remember there is a cure for widespread diseases like cancer, the best way to cure cancer is to prevent cancer as best we can. If you like what you are reading help me spread the word by sharing my articles with your friends. Follow me, Drug free pharmacist, on facebook**